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Online resources help gardeners learn about bugs, plants, birds and more

By Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, on January 26th, 2013

Yellow and black garden spider forms a zigzag pattern in the center of her nest. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

As we prepare (at least mentally) for the great spring warm up, I thought I’d share some online resources that can help you identify bugs, weeds and other pests, learn about plants and good combinations, garden to-do lists and more.

Focuses on North American spiders and insects. Has BugFinder, where you can fill out primary and secondary body colors, number of legs and state. I plugged in black and yellow body colors, eight legs, Indiana and the BugFinder came up with black-and-yellow garden spider (Argiope spp.)

Marion County Master Gardener and Purdue Extension-Marion County operate this site, where gardeners can ask about plant and landscape problems, houseplants, insects and diseases. Send questions and photos to marionmg@purdue.edu, or call (317) 275-9292.